Cane Corso

The Cane Corso Italiano is a loyal dog with a strong protective instinct. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity, and exercise needs, training, and care of the Cane Corso Italiano dog breed in the profile.

Cani Corsi are affectionate dogs that need consistent training. Here you will find the most important information about the Cane Corso Italiano.

Origin of the Cane Corso Italiano

Where the Cane Corso or Cane Corso Italiano comes from has not been fully proven. It is assumed that he is a direct descendant of the Roman Molosser.

The breed, which used to be very widespread throughout Italy and which is now found primarily only in Puglia and in the neighboring southern Italian provinces, was provisionally recognized by the FCI in 1996. Its name comes from the Latin word “cohors” which means “keeper, guardian”.

• Height at the withers: 60 – 68 cm
• Weight: 40-50kg
• Age: 10 – 14 years
• Country of origin: Italy
• Fur: short, dense, shiny
• Classification: FCI Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molosser and Swiss Mountain Dogs, Section 2.1: Molosser, Mastiff-type dogs

Appearance

The Cane Corso Italiano is a medium-sized dog, powerfully built, yet elegant in appearance. He has powerful muscles that are vividly represented by his clear outlines. It is slightly longer than it is tall.

Its head is very broad, the eyes are medium-sized and ovoid, the ears are triangular. The tail, which used to be docked, is set on fairly high and is very thick at the root. His short, dense, shiny coat comes in the colors black, lead grey, slate grey, light grey, light fawn, or brindle.

Behavior and temperament

The Cane Corso Italiano is a very affectionate and child-loving breed that is docile, loyal, playful and extremely workaholic.

However, he also has a pronounced protective instinct, which he acts out when he sees himself or his pack threatened. Otherwise, however, he is rather disinterested in strangers, but loyal to his people. In an emergency, he will also defend them.

Is a Cane Corso Italiano dangerous?

A Cane Corso can only fully develop its pleasant character if it is appropriately trained and kept in a species-appropriate manner. It’s the same with any breed of dog.

His pronounced protective instinct certainly contributes to the fact that he is considered a list dog in the federal states of Bavaria and Brandenburg and may only be kept under certain conditions.

Need for physical activity

This muscular dog is quite athletic and likes to be exercised enough. Long walks are fun for the Cane Corso Italiano, and he would also like to be involved in dog sports, where he cuts a fine figure. A Cane Corso needs a lot of exercises and enough exercise.

Since he is very willing to work, he urgently needs a job. Areas of application are, for example, guard and protection dog service, but the breed is also ideal as a herdsman and herding dog.

Training the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso Italiano is not a dog for beginners because they want to be sufficiently exercised and kept busy. His upbringing requires a lot of consistency, attending a dog school is advisable – then he will develop into an extremely pleasant companion with a wonderful character. In order to steer your protective instinct in the right direction, you should have dog experience.

Care and nutrition of the Cane Corso

When it comes to grooming, Cane Corsos are very easy to care for. The short, dense coat only needs regular brushing to keep it shiny.

However, feeding is a bit more complicated: Even as a puppy, you should make sure that you feed your Cane Corso correctly and with high-quality food. Ideally, you feed him the same food that he has already received from the breeder.

These dogs grow very quickly. Adjusted protein content in the feed prevents bone problems. You are free to decide whether you want your Cane Corso Italiano to have dry or wet food.

Common diseases

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur more frequently in the Cane Corso Italiano. Unfortunately, heart muscle diseases and eye problems are more common in this breed.

Once you have decided on a Cane Corso Italiano, you should contact a reputable breeder. He knows the breed inside out and can give you comprehensive advice. Cane Corso breeders are most commonly found in Italy, with the breed being less common in other countries.

Make sure the breeder belongs to a club. Unfortunately, many dog breeders also offer supposedly purebred Cane Corso puppies. Make sure that you also get to know the parent animals and assess their husbandry. If you are well informed and have found a reputable breeder, nothing stands in the way of a future together with your Cane Corso Italiano.